Indian

Originally Aired: March 23, 1958

In Gunsmoke #311, "Indian," Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester discover a Pawnee man who has been brutally murdered, shot in both knees and left to crawl before being killed. When the victim's stoic widow appears at the scene, Matt is disturbed by the cruelty of the killing. Back in Dodge, a bitter frontiersman named Eggard overhears Matt discussing the murder and openly admits to a sixteen-year campaign of killing Indians. Consumed by hatred since Pawnees killed his wife and kidnapped his infant son years ago, Eggard shows no remorse and insists no badge will stop his vendetta.

The widow and her brother soon arrive in Dodge, having tracked Eggard to town. They demand Matt either arrest and execute the killer or hand him over for Indian justice. Though Matt suspects Eggard is guilty, he lacks the legal proof needed for a conviction. Faced with an impossible situation where the law cannot act but justice demands satisfaction, Matt finds himself caught between his duty as a marshal and the reality of frontier justice. The Pawnees make clear they will wait and take matters into their own hands, setting up a dangerous standoff in Dodge City.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.